Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems in the early stages, before they get out of hand.

The sash is an internal frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they may become damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should be buried in the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it manually or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. Once it's fully cured then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or upvc window repairs that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close without effort, however, this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This can be due to a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or Window Repairs a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

To complete these sash repairs it is essential to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will make it easier to position the channel in the right location after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with an nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and keep it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable sash by rope. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to search for replacements.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is usually done via an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what you require. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights which keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or repositioned. You might be able to use a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the tiny parting beads from their grooves. It is essential to take your time because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each component. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.